New York ends cooperation with feds on immigrant deportations

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio signed two laws Friday that cut the city’s cooperation with US federal authorities on the deportation of undocumented immigrants. Blasting federal immigration enforcement as “overbroad,” de Blasio said America’s most populated city would now only cooperate with national authorities when there are concerns over public safety or when immigrants have committed “violent or serious” crimes. “Mass deportation has not only pulled apart thousands of New York City families, it has also undermined public safety in our communities and imposed disproportionate penalties on immigrant parents and spouses who these families depend on for emotional and financial support,” de Blasio said in a statement. The announcement comes at a crucial time for illegal immigrants currently in the United States, as President Barack Obama prepares to take measures to prevent the deportation of about five million of them, according to The New York Times.